Time's up

[syzygycat]

Luke was diagnosed with oral cancer 4 and a half months ago. We went to a few specialists that week to find out the only option was palliative. We did the radiation, it worked amazingly. He got a lot better for a month. Then a very slow decline, still eating 300cal a day. Until 4 days ago.

He's declining quickly, his eyelid is inflamed he stopped going downstairs or climbing into bed with us. Periods unsteady pacing and since last night.
I don't think we can put it off any longer. We scheduled for him to be euthanized at home tomorrow at noon... assuming keeping him one more day groggy on meds and euthanizing him in his bed is preferred to crating him off and doing it at the vet today.
I'm praying he's relaxed and a little "out of it" tomorrow and not in too much pain til then.

edit:

(Pic of Luke today: His very swollen face went back to normal after radiation, he made a month past his 14th birthday, but all signs show the cancer is destroying everything deeper inside)

 

[vampiric_conure]

**HUGE Hugs** Losing a bud to cancer sucks, no matter if they be a cat, dog, or human. I'm sure he's thanking you for caring for him

 

[rubysmama]

I'm so sorry about Luke. I had to let my Ruby go back in May. She didn't have cancer, but a combination of hyperthyroidism and kidney disease took its toll. She was 13 or 14, so around Luke's age. Sending hugs your way, to help you get through tonight and tomorrow.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

A candle is lit for an easy passing, and for comfort for his loved ones. I shall be sitting up to "be with you" tomorrow.

 

[Margot Lane]

Sensing & breathing the moment with you…you are a good & loving owner & he knows that. I am glad to hear there is a someone there with you, it will help. I’d light a candle but it’s too dangerous where I live, so am lighting an inner candle for you. He looks like a real sweetheart.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

I’m so sorry. We lost Hadji to oral cancer at about Luke’s age. Horrible disease. Many hugs, I can’t think of anything to say that doesn’t sound trite - you’ve done all you could and are doing the last, hardest thing to make it easier for him - even though it’s true.

 

[di and bob]

My heart goes out to you......times like this are unbearable. I'll definitely keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, Luke will at peace because he carries your love in his heart.....God bless you all.....

 

[betsygee]

I am so very sorry. I'm thinking about you and Luke today.

 

[syzygycat]

It all went as well as can be expected, which is still awful.
I have 4 other cats. Luke was different. He was affectionate like a dog, or maybe like a baby monkey. Since he was a kitten all the way to the end, He'd sit in my lap put an paw on each side of my neck press his check on my lips til I kissed him a "enough" times the fall asleep with his head on my shoulder every night on the couch, he'd wait on the toilet lid literally everytime I showered so hed get the same hug/kiss/cuddle when I came out and then if have to rinse off the cat hair off and hope one post shower cuddle was enough.
The kissing thing is my fault, I kissed his face a lot Everytime he 'bunted' my face as a kitten, he liked it, I liked it so it never stopped.
More often than not he'd climb into bed and position himself to to sleep pressed up against me using my shoulder as a pillow.


My other cats are all great in their own way but they're content of sitting near us a few mins a day maybe some pets on the head, occasionally sleep a safe distance away from us on the bed. None of them want hours of physical contact a day like Luke did.

It's been 24hours since the last "Luke hug" it's jarring and unbearable not having him pressed up against for this long

 

[di and bob]

I am so sorry…. I pray your beautiful memories will help you through this. Somehow we work through grief until healing comes to our hearts. You never get over something like this, you get through it.
Luke will always be near, love is spiritual, so eternal. He will always be connected to your soul. You will always remember those special kisses and the special times you two shared. It is something that can never be taken from you. Go forward into the future and make it one like you would want for Luke if you were the first to go. He wants no less.
please know we will be thinking of you, praying for you to find peace and for Luke to help you. He was so very special, and he gave you one of this world’s greatest treasures. A cat’s love….,,.RIP precious Luke. You will never be forgotten, you will always have a secure place in a loving heart. May the good Lord bless and keep you, until you meet again!

 

[rubysmama]

I’m so sorry. Luke sounds like a very special cat. RIP sweetie.

 

[Furballsmom]

RIP you most darling cat.

I have 4 other cats.

Along with taking care of yourself during one of the most difficult times life can come up with, your other cats, even if they had a chance to see the body, may benefit from Cat Music and if you haven't done it yet, maybe leave a couple of his favorite toys or a blanket he slept on out for a little bit, for them.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

I'm so sorry. It's even harder when you lose a cat who was so affectionate, like Luke.

 

[Stormy accepts you]

I’m sorry for your loss. But now, he’s watching over you. You will get another Luke hug someday, just not on this plane of existence. We’re here for you

 

[neely]

My sincere regrets and heartfelt sympathies go out to you. Our last cat, Neely, also succumbed to oral cancer so I can empathize with you. I hope that in the days, months and years ahead the memories of Luke will carry you through the pain of losing him. RIP sweet angel.

 

[DeesCats]

I am so sorry for your loss of Luke, please accept my condolences. I loved your story on how Luke grew up with your kisses and cuddles that started when he was a kitten Those are the kind of memories to hold dear in your heart during this time of grief at his passing.

 

[syzygycat]

...Along with taking care of yourself during one of the most difficult times life can come up with, your other cats, even if they had a chance to see the body, may benefit from Cat Music and if you haven't done it yet, maybe leave a couple of his favorite toys or a blanket he slept on out for a little bit, for them.

Weirdly they don't seem affected in any way.

I'm so sorry. It's even harder when you lose a cat who was so affectionate, like Luke.

I am so sorry for your loss of Luke, please accept my condolences. I loved your story on how Luke grew up with your kisses and cuddles that started when he was a kitten Those are the kind of memories to hold dear in your heart during this time of grief at his passing.

I wasn't an educated cat owner when I got Luke. Brought Luke home, let him loose, did nothing to acclimate him. He was an instant lap cat, he'd go to sleep using my shoulder as a pillow (every night for most his life, 9 out of 10 nights the last few months of his illness).
I had no clue other cat's don't act like that til I started getting more cats years later.


He was definitely extra-bonded to me, but he liked everyone, got so excited when someone new came over. he'd get confused when the occasional guest didn't want him sitting on them.

I got a new kitten every few years. It always took a few months for the older cats to accept the new kitten, except for Luke. Each time we got a new kitten it would always follow Luke around like a ducking. I think it was for safety no one messed with Luke and Luke didn't mess with other cats.

Edit: I went to the shelter yesterday to play with some kittens. (it's hard to be sad around kittens) Their was Brown/Black 1yr old tabby named Loki I got to cuddle and kiss up on. It took a lot of will power not to bring home the Luke-a-like.

 

[IzzysfureverMom]

syzygycat I am so sorry for your terrible loss of Luke. No kitty is ever easy to lose.The wonderful cuddle bugs are particularly difficult because we bond so completely them. They are like another appediage. In my own experience they are a soul mate. I know how much you loved and appreciated Luke and you took such wonderful care of him. His pain is gone now and he is at peace. I wish you peace in all the wonderful memories and moments you had with Luke

 

[syzygycat]

...They are like another appediage. In my own experience they are a soul mate...

That's EXACTLY what it's like. Specially with that cat.

 

[zed xyzed]

he was beautiful. I am sorry that he had to go on his next adventure.